New urban farm incubator opens in West Sacramento

Today officially kicks off the groundbreaking of the region's first urban farm space at a vacant city-owned property at the corner of 5th and C streets in West Sacramento's Washington neighborhood. The project will serve as a transitional farm incubator, providing beginning farmers with access to land to grow produce for local farmers markets and restaurants on a short-term basis.

"This project is about connecting communities to the food system and understanding where our food comes from," said West Sacramento Mayor Christopher Cabaldon.

The Center for Land-Based Learning has signed a lease with the City for the site and will provide access to land and tools for farmers that have graduated from their Farm Academy. The nonprofit has been established in Yolo County since 2001 with the mission of connecting youth and adults with the land, environment and community. The Center for Land-Based Learning is dedicated to creating the next generation of farmers and teaches California's youth about the importance of agriculture in our region.

"This innovative project serves as a shining example of our region's commitment to agriculture," said Steve Hammond, President and CEO of the Sacramento Convention and Visitors Bureau, leader of the region's farm-to-fork initiative.

The urban farm site will reuse a vacant city-owned property that has been underutilized for many years. As the neighborhood and riverfront continue to attract development, the urban farm site will focus on incubating new start-up farmers and establishing a small-scale commercial demand for fresh produce, while emphasizing the project as a transitional use until future development is ready to occur on the site.

Funding to support the project was made possible by Wells Fargo, Community Business Bank, and the City of West Sacramento. The groundbreaking ceremony will take place at 427 C St., at 10 a.m. Parking is available at Broderick Roadhouse at 319 Sixth St.